Global – Page 5 – Willow Court Tasmania

Troubled Asylum for sale

April 7, 2020 4 Comments

NOW SOLD

We have a hard to find copy of “Troubled Asylum” by Ralph. W Gowlland for sale. This is a white covered, signed, first edition which makes this even rarer. This copy was owner by Dr Sue Fricker who worked with Gowlland in the 70’s at the Hospital.

Condition: The cover has a few minor marks, the pages are all dry and fine, the binding is in good condition. The picture below and above is the actual book for sale. The current owner will donate 100% of the proceeds to the following charity

“A Fairer World” http://afairerworld.org

Postage: within Tasmania is free, contact mark@willowcourttasmania.org for other details including how to deposit funds directly into the charities bank account.

Cost: $300

Global, Local

Frascati House not wanted

March 23, 2020 No Comments

In the Derwent Valley Council’s Agenda this last week there is a note to amend the decision made on the 20 June 2019 to remove reference to Frascati House and only include the Barracks in the lease arrangement with Salamanca Art on behalf of the Derwent Valley Arts Group. http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/minutesAgendas/19%20March%202020%20-%20Council%20Agenda.pdf Item 10.12

The Derwent Valley Council opened up an expression of interest process to off load the remaining sections of the hospital under their management. There were a number of groups who expressed an interest in the site at the time and within the allotted time period. There was also one successful applicant who was entertained outside of the expression of interest period. Shortly after the announcements of successful applicants the General Manager of the Derwent Valley Council instigated a Probity Investigation into the tender process for the Sale or Lease of Willow Court with a very narrow brief of “examination of the decision by the Council to entertain unsolicited proposals after the closure of the EOI process”.

The site owners have had a long history of offering the assets to business and groups who have had ideas, but in many cases, without due diligence these great ideas have failed or never got off the ground, so the property has returned back to the DVC often in a much worse state. This leaves the rate payers of the Derwent Valley to pick up the tab.

Works have not started in the Rum Distillery which is the remaining property offered for lease. While the locks have been changed there isn’t any visible work in the area previously approved for work by the Derwent Valley Council in May 2019.

Global, Local

Old Photos and their story

March 17, 2020 2 Comments

Alongside Humphrey Street was the wall that segregated the hospital and the community and on the hospital side of the wall there was a small laneway called “Flinders Street” by the late June Purkiss who worked at the hospital from the 1940’s. It was so busy with foot and cart traffic that it was said to resemble that busy CBD Melbourne street.

All this area has now been demolished including the rear of the Barracks building. This was to make way for new wards in the early 1960’s. The front of the Barracks on the photo below shows the hole and driveway that was created for trucks to remove the building rubble. The rubble was used for widening the local roads in the Derwent Valley, filling in an area on the Esplanade and also as fill up against the hospital wall so the new ward for the Criminally Insane could be built on top.

The front of the Barracks with the drive through to the right of the central tree

The other old photo above is the original wall and gates that led up the driveway that faces the front of the Barracks. There has always been debate as to where the original gate disappeared to, some say that a politician has them on the front of his country property still. This has never been proved though.

B Ward (above) was also demolished in the early 1960’s but its foundations can still be see in the Geophysical mapping that was done by Flinders University. The red lined square shape is the current C Ward yard which contains part of B Ward or Male Refractory and part of A Ward later referred to as the Gentleman’s Cottage”.

One of the most recognisable buildings on the site was K1 and K2 wards (below) and the large central clock tower. When this was also demolished in the early 1960’s one resident from Humphrey Street stated she could now see the sun in the morning for the first time since she live there in the shadow of the tower. Many were sad to see this iconic structure demolished, but a hospital that needed to progress was the order of the day and new buildings were going to occupy the site soon.

Global

Influenza hits the hospital 1919

March 16, 2020 No Comments

“In 1919, the hospital was visited by the terrible ravages of the pneumonic influenza which was sweeping the world at the time. There seems to have been two strains involved – one less deadly than the other. Dr. MacDonnell’s report gives some very sobering statistics” Troubled Asylum; R. W. Gowlland.

For the hospital this created a major strain with many in the community becoming sick including many staff. It’s also interesting to note that female staff once married at this time were not allowed to continue working in the hospital, so those with sick families at home didn’t have work obligations, leaving the nursing to those who weren’t married. There were 108 cases of the weaker strain recorded and 42 cases of the more severe, the later taking 11 lives including the Sub-Matron. In all there were 18 staff and 24 patients affected by the severe strain.

Global, Local

Welcome to 2020

January 20, 2020 5 Comments

Hello Willow Court Supporters,

We start the year off knowing that the site has been given away by the very people who were elected to manage it, some has been given to the Arts Community while other parts to private businesses. I suspect there will be more news over the next few years about this and the methods that this was do and also the “independent” investigations into the processes used.

But the history is still alive and we at the Willow Court History Group still intend to gather what we can and share that knowledge in a respectful way. This website has clicked over 2 million views this year, which shows that people are interested in the history for personal, family or other research reasons.

This year it is my plan to have 4 face to face (non political) meetings a year where the history can be studied, shared and recorded. This idea is open to anyone with an interest in the site. I intend to have Guest Speakers to enhance our learning and enjoyment. I will announce the first of these in the coming weeks.

Until then happy New Year from us.

PS, still looking for venue. 03.03.2020

Global, Local

Sir John Gellibrand

October 20, 2019 No Comments

Click the picture below to hear a great podcast about Sir John Gellibrand from the lectures of the Tasmanian Historical Research Association. (55 minutes). Sir John was instrumental in the set up of Millbrook Rise Psychopathic Hospital and a respected returned Service Man. The podcast helps us to understand the motivations that drove Sir John to not only get this up and running but other ideas to assisted returned service personnel.

Millbrook Rise Psychopathic Hospital was joined to Lachlan Park Hospital by the sharing of staff and facilities before it formally joining the Hospital in 1968 and becoming part of the Tasmanian Mental Health Services under the common name of the Royal Derwent Hospital.

We have a lot of information and photos of the original Derwent building on the Millbrook Rise tab on this website. Click Here.

Global, Local, Uncategorized

Oval view planned to improve.

May 20, 2019 8 Comments

Many people have become confused by the thought that a Rum Distillery was going to clean up the old Wards near Woolworths Carpark, but that would be mistaken as these buildings belonged to a number of failed private business enterprises who have slowly allowed them to become what we see today.

Today the DVC Derwent Valley Council have a DA Development Application for the whole area next to Woolworths Supermarket. The DA is applying for residential accommodation, shops, medical centre. The plans also have a detailed Heritage consideration which is very reassuring.

https://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/page.aspx?u=701&c=12420

Global, Local

Rum bar set for approval

May 15, 2019 2 Comments

“84 representations were received within the statutory advertising period, which can be broken down into 53 representations against the proposed development and 31 representations in favour of the proposed development.” Agenda page 44 DVC meeting 16th May 2019

“The proposal is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.
Council must determine the application by 18 May 2019.”
Agenda page 44 DVC meeting 16th May 2019

Even though there were more objections to this planned distillery than support letters, the Council are set to approve the Development Application at their next meeting at the Lachlan Community Hall, Lachlan on Thursday, 16 May 2019 commencing at 6.00pm.

Members of the public are invited to watch as the Derwent Valley Council approve New Norfolk’s next bar.

The full agenda can be viewed on the DVC website: http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/minutesAgendas/16%20May%202019%20-%20Agenda.pdf

Concern raised and Planning Response

Why hasn’t the full intended use of the Alonnah building been disclosed? The application seeks approval for the establishment of the distillery operation only, as shown on the proposed plans. Other future uses would be subject to separate planning permit applications.

The Willow Court Barracks Precinct must remain in public ownership Land ownership is not a planning consideration. The benefits of retaining land in public ownership or otherwise does not form part of this assessment.

A rum distillery is disrespectful to people who have suffered psychiatric illness caused by alcohol, especially on this site. The planning scheme allows for the consideration of a distillery. Council, accordingly, must consider the application and decide to what degree the application achieves satisfactory compliance with the scheme.

The site should become a cultural centre for use by artists, musicians, writers, singers and performers. This particular application seeks approval to establish a distillery. The zone does not prohibit the use of the land for performance and other artistic pursuits, should persons wish to apply.

How will this heritage be maintained and reinforced through the proposed new use? How will the significant cultural heritage of the site be protected? The scheme allows of the consideration of prohibited uses within heritage buildings. This is a common conservation strategy which allows for the re-use of heritage buildings. This in itself provides a mechanism for the on-going protection of buildings, rather than allowing buildings to fall into disrepair through dis-use.

What about the other proposed and unclarified stages? The application seeks approval for the establishment of a distillery only, as shown on the proposed plans. Any further stages would be subject to separate planning permit applications and would assessed on their merits.

Already a large number of bottle shops and licensed venues. The business case for the establishment of the proposed distillery is weak. The competitiveness or otherwise of a proposed business is not a planning consideration. The feasibility of the proposed business from an economic perspective does not form part of this assessment.

Concern regarding the expression of interest process initiated in 2018. The expression of interest process initiated in 2018 has no bearing upon the assessment of the application.

Potential for introduction of the cane toad due to the purchase of sugar cane from the mainland. The potential for the transportation of cane toads would be dealt with under relevant biosecurity procedures. Such matters do not form a planning consideration.

Private development will be unsuccessful The feasibility of the proposed business from an ownership perspective does not form part of this assessment. Such matters do not form a planning consideration.

The proposed new opening in the wall fronting the Bronte Courtyard is not discreet and subsequently not recommended by the Conservation Management Plan. The proposed permit does not approve all aspects of the development including:  The proposed removal of the window.  The proposed removal of the internal wall.  The painting of exterior brickwork.

There should be a master plan. The subject site is contained within the Particular Purpose Zone, which identifies Willow Court. The purpose and objectives of the zone is considered to provide a suitable framework to guide the future development of the heritage precinct.

The impact of proposed subdivision upon the heritage significance of the precinct needs to be evaluated. The application does not seek approval for the subdivision of land. Any proposal for subdivision would be subject to a separate planning permit application and assessed accordingly.

Is there noise associated with the distillery? It is not expected that the proposed distillery will generate unreasonable levels of noise. Conditions are proposed in any case around noise and protection of amenity.

Are there any environmental impacts associated with the distillery? The distillery will produce methanol which can affect stonework. The proposed distillery will operate as a closed system. It is not anticipated that by-products such as methanol will be released to the air. Taswater have imposed conditions in relation to trade waste and a condition will be included in relation to the stormwater (relevant to the proposed car park construction works).

What about other services (e.g. heating) which may need to be installed? Will there be works beyond the zone indicated in the application? Any works extending beyond the zone shown on the approved plans, may require a separate planning permit or an amendment to any permit issued in relation to this application. A condition is however proposed requiring the submission of a detailed servicing plan, which will allow proper assessment to ensure the heritage significance of the building is not compromised through the addition of visible elements.

What about the removal of asbestos? Will thereby works beyond the zone indicated in the application? Any works extending beyond the zone shown on the approved plans, may require a separate planning permit or an amendment to any permit issued in relation to this application.

What about other repair works which may extend beyond the zone indicated in the application (e.g. roof repairs)? Any works extending beyond the zone shown on the approved plans, may require a separate planning permit or an amendment to any permit issued in relation to this application.

What about external equipment and plant? Insufficient detail provided. Refer to comments made above in relation to the servicing.

What about outdoor bin storage requirements? Arrangements are not shown on the plans. In relation to outdoor bin storage, an advising note is proposed which alerts the permit holder to the potential need to obtain further permission from both Council and the Heritage Council, should this be proposed.

What about turning circles for trucks? The application states that only commercial vans and small trucks will be seeking access the site. A condition is proposed which requires the submission of further documentation in relation to internal access and the proposed car park. This will include details in relation to turning and loading/unloading areas to ensure that they work.

The Avenue is under pressure. Increased traffic and deliveries will worsen the situation. The proposed development is considered to be relatively modest in scale. Although, at times, the proposed use could experience more than 40 vehicle movements per day, the overall carrying capacity of The Avenue is considered to be adequate to cater for expected maximum usage. It is noted that there may be a level of synergy between the existing restaurant which adjoins the proposed distillery and the distillery itself. This would see an efficiency in vehicle movements, in that visitors may choose to visit both sites at the same time.

The movement of commercial vehicles associated with an industrial installation will impact upon the Willow Court Barracks. The proposed development is considered to be relatively modest in scale. The applicant anticipates the use of commercial vans and small trucks only in terms of deliveries. It is not anticipated that such usage would result in harm to the Willow Court Barracks through vibrations or vehicle exhaust.

The application does not adequately address how the significance of the building will be preserved and how it will continue to be understood as a building which was part of the former Willow Court complex. The application proposes minimal physical alteration to the exterior of the building, meaning it will continue to present a familiar face within the complex. The applicant has proposed the retention of former signage, which from an interpretative perspective will ensure that link is preserved between the former use and the proposed use. A condition is also proposed which will require the preparation of a further interpretive plan to communicate the heritage values of the building and wider context of the Willow Court site.

The attached plans are available here http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/minutesAgendas/16%20May%202019%20Attachment%20A%20for%20Agenda%20Item%209.2.pdf

All representations in support of the application have been noted and can be summarised as follows:

 Many buildings have been left dilapidated. The application provides an opportunity for the re-invention the building and surrounding site.
 The distillery will complement this part of Willow Court which is emerging as a hospitality hub.
 The distillery will become an important asset for new Norfolk.
 The proposed development will boost jobs and the local economy.
 Visitors to Willow Court will promote tourism within the Derwent Valley.  The use of the building will deter the further vandalism of buildings.
 The proposed development represents an opportunity for the creation of new, happy memories while not forgetting the past.

Global, Local

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION and SALE of COUNCIL OWNED BUILDINGS AT WILLOW COURT

April 24, 2019 4 Comments

Last opportunity to have your say on the sale of Willow Court to a private business.

On February 2018 the Derwent Valley Council opened Expressions of Interest for future uses for Willow Court, which has resulted in four proposals being presented: two community and two commercial proposals.

A Development Application (DA) for the adaptive reuse of part of one Alonnah, which was previously the Women’s high security Ward, as a Rum Distillery has been lodged with Council. The application states that ‘Alonnah is proposed to become a rum distillery with the front roadside section of Alonnah comprising a mini still, tasting and storage, being Stage 1. … The buildings of Occupation Therapy and Carlton together with the small exercise yard are included in the property site.’ Minutes of the Council Meeting on 20 September 2018 (p143) note that the proposal includes a request to purchase these buildings. Submissions for public comment on Stage 1 are due by 5pm on 4 May.

The application lists a proposed development:

“Works comprising partial demolition, internal fit-out and external alterations in association with production (rum distillery) and also incorporating tasting bar and signage”

Works to the north-east corner of Alonnah, adjacent to the Agrarian Kitchen, are listed as

Make good building defects
Remove an existing window
Form new wall opening for door entry into tasting room
Form new opening with window in front wall
Demolish existing wall, install full height glazing or public viewing of barrels
Fit out (including bar, rum still, barrel storage, office, toilet)

The application can be viewed on the Council website, or in person at the Council during working hours.

http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/page.aspx?u=701&c=12356

More information about future stages can be viewed on the Distillery website, which lists the proposed future stages and show images of future work, which include significant alterations to this entire building, and to Occupational Therapy and Carlton (Ward C).

https://www.newnorfolkdistillery.com/

Global, Local

“Today I Am Going to Kill Myself But First I Am Going to Dance”

February 11, 2019 No Comments

“Today I Am Going to Kill Myself But First I Am Going to Dance” — a film about the legacy of the Fergus Falls State Hospital.

If you have half an hour spare, please watch this film. In a world that is growing aware of its own history a number of films are being made to help us know what happened in our past, the people that were locked away, separated and the staff that were employed to care. There are now Academic Streams for Disability History Studies at Universities and subsequent release of papers at national and international conferences. Without a complete understanding of the our history new students and whole communities can easily fall into the same mistakes of our past.

The opportunity to tell our story, the Willow Court Tasmania story, is still here in bricks and mortar, the buildings are here and the memories are here. With the “For Sale” sign threatening this Nationally important historic site we will have to be prepared to fight for the right partner in any development of our site.

Our site, our history, managed by our representatives.

J Gregory Pirmann who has a long history with the Pennhurst State Hospital in the USA and the Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance has given us a wonderful introduction to the film. As it’s only one month past our 75th year of celebrations and reflections on the Declaration of Human Rights, it is a great time to remember why Human Rights are important to all people.

“Another compelling video that illustrates the importance of establishing a national site of memory to tell the stories of the people who were sent to worlds apart from us and then forgotten. The thousands of people who lived in places like Fergus Falls State Hospital (and Pennhurst) must never be forgotten and the story of their (ongoing) fight to regain their rights must be told.” J Gregory Pirmann

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